The New York Knicks' first NBA championship parade in over five decades featured a moment of confusion when police mistook a reserve player for an overzealous fan.

Tyler Kolek, a 25-year-old guard in his second season with the team, was briefly detained by NYPD officers while celebrating with supporters along the parade route in Manhattan. Video captured the player high-fiving fans before being stopped by officers who apparently did not recognize him as a member of the championship roster. 

The incident occurred as approximately two million fans gathered to celebrate the Knicks' victory over the San Antonio Spurs. The city deployed thousands of police officers to maintain order during the massive celebration, leading to heightened vigilance along the parade route. 

Officers on High Alert During Massive Celebration

A viral video showed Kolek, wearing a Knicks championship hat and team shirt, running alongside the barricades while enthusiastically greeting fans. He was holding a beverage in one hand and slapping hands with supporters with the other before two officers intervened. 

One officer blocked his path while another grabbed his shoulders, appearing to direct him away from the secured area. Kolek seemed to explain his identity to the officers, and a parade official quickly intervened to confirm that he was indeed a player. The misunderstanding was resolved within moments, and Kolek was allowed to continue celebrating. 

Player Responds with Humor to Mix-Up

Kolek took the incident in stride, posting on social media: "I swear I'm on the team bro" along with laughing emojis. He later shared additional footage from his perspective, including a video with the caption "I hoop bro I swear." 

The backup guard also provided a lighthearted moment during an Instagram Live session while holding the NBA Cup trophy. He joked to Finals MVP Jalen Brunson: "This is my real trophy right here. Y'all got that one. I got this one." 

Limited Playoff Role Contributed to Confusion

The confusion is understandable given Kolek's limited visibility during the playoffs. He did not appear in any of the five NBA Finals games against the Spurs. His most recent playoff action came in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

During the regular season, Kolek appeared in 62 games, averaging approximately 10 minutes per contest. He started just one game during the 2025-26 campaign but made 70 total appearances including playoff action. He scored a season-high 16 points in a Christmas Day victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Knicks Achieved Historic Season

The Knicks captured their first NBA championship since 1973, ending one of the longest championship droughts in professional sports. They defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games to claim the Larry O'Brien Trophy. 

New York also made league history by becoming the first team to win both the NBA Cup and the NBA championship in the same season. The NBA Cup, introduced in 2023 as a midseason tournament, was claimed by the Knicks when they defeated the Spurs in December. Kolek contributed 14 points in that victory. 

Role Player Embraced Team-First Mentality

Despite not playing in the Finals, Kolek was considered an important part of the championship puzzle. He was acquired by the Knicks through a draft-night trade in 2024 after being selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the second round. The Marquette product spent time with New York's G League affiliate during his rookie season before securing a consistent role. 

The team's success was built on players accepting and embracing their specific roles, whether as stars or reserves. Kolek's ability to contribute meaningful minutes throughout the regular season helped position the Knicks for their playoff success, even if his Finals minutes were limited. 

The brief encounter with police has become one of the more memorable moments from the celebration, adding to the lore of a championship that New York fans had awaited for 53 years. Kolek's good-natured response to the mix-up only endeared him further to Knicks faithful who had come to appreciate his contributions during the historic season.